Smoke Fills Tri-Cities Region Due To Controlled Burn

A controlled burn in Pisgah National in Forest in North Carolina.. and in Unicoi County, TN Tuesday caused many people to call fire officials worried about the smoke in Johnson City and many areas of the Tri-Cities region. Smoked drifted into the region, causing some irritation and some concerns for people with breathing problems.

The U.S. Forestry Service conducted the burn. Hazard reduction or controlled burning is conducted during the cooler months to reduce fuel buildup and decrease the likelihood of serious hotter fires. It also stimulates the germination of some desirable forest trees, thus renewing the forest.